My T5 Swap Story

I just finished up swapping in a T5 transmission into my 1965 Mustang and thought I'd share a little story about the adventure.
Music: Atlantica by Speed Limit 35

[@pd2865]

this is how I installed a Tremec 5spd in my 1965 289 Mustang using all the original clutch pedal and clutch linkage assemble including the 1965 throwout bearing arm and throwout bearing. Take a 1965 Bell housing and drill out the two fulcrum mounting rivets. index using the four transmission mounting holes a template, plexiglass is good. Drill the two 1965 fulcrum holes. Take your template and bolt t to your new 5sdg bell housing. drill the two fulcrum holes and counter sink them. . Take out the cable pitot arm. As you stated the imput shafts are different. Between a top loader and a Tremec, 5/8th of an inch longer Tremec. So I machined aluminum bar stock 5/8th of an inch thick and made a spacer to move the 1965 fulcrum forward in the 5 spd bell housing and bolted it down with grade 8 fine thread bolts and metal locking nuts. That is it, no cables, no hydraulics. So the money I saved not going hydraulic or cable went to a aluminium drive shaft. I also used a diaphragm 10 1/2 inch clutch. So I used the solid input shaft bearing, 1965 throwout bearing, 1965 throw out bearing arm. The conversion cost me less than $20 less the machine shop, which was free for me, we had a Bridge Port. And I would never go back to a toploader, never. I have had this in my car 35 years. I also have a very cool front suspension modification using all For OEM parts that does the Shelby drop, but when I finished the car is almost level. It does sit low like the normal modification. This allows for no rolling fenders and bigger tires. And it only requires one shim per upper control arm bolt.

[@AndyH66]

Done the same swap. It's just amazing how much more fun it is to drive now!

[@mistermwwilson]

One of the best mods I did on my 65 FB.

[@JimsFastbackGarage]

I swapped a T5 into my 68 and used the RAM hydraulic throw out bearing kit for World class T5. I also used the RAM Muscle car clutch kit, it latches good and makes those kool sounds that you had to simulate 😉👍. My exhaust is way to loud though, check out "It's paid for ".

[@sf940477]

Simulated tyre noises 😆 🤣

[@swooshdave]

😜😎

[@chrisgosselin6399]

I really like the t5 it has a very crispy shift I have had several in Chevy s10s and find them to be superior to the nv1500 transmissions gm went to for the later model s10s

[@redneckgearheadgarage495]

Swooshdave! Hey it's redneckgearhead from vmf, great video! Love the t5.

[@NorthwestBronco]

I think you live about 10 minutes from me!

[@AntonioGarcia-kh8uo]

Which transmission fluid did you use? Gear oil or atf

[@swooshdave]

ATF. But remember it depends on which T5 you have.

[@itswillstuff]

You around the Portland area, Dave?

[@swooshdave]

Yes, you might find me at many of the Portland area events.

[@michaellarson7886]

Did you have to cut drive shaft?

[@swooshdave]

I did not. I think if you are swapping from an auto you might.

[@gsr2084]

hey Dave, did you notice an increase in gas mileage with the T5 swap? Specifically highway mileage?

[@swooshdave]

I don't drive it much on the freeway. I also don't keep track of the gas mileage. :-)

[@banks412gmailcom]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I am considering a T5 swap for my ‘65 i6 and MDL was really helpful. I’m not experienced enough to do the swap on my own, so I’m curious to know what you might think a fair price would be for a shop to do this for me if I purchased the kit myself? Thanks again!

[@swooshdave]

You might want to talk to Modern Driveline and see if they are able to recommend a local shop.